Cavaliers Receive Oral Commitment From Players

Virginia's basketball program received oral commitments from three players Wednesday, including Oak Hill Academy's Thomas Burrough, one of the nation's most sought-after power forwards.

A source close to the program said the Cavaliers also received commitments from Chris Alexander, a 6-foot-8 forward from Long Branch (N.J.) High School and 6-8 forward Yuri Barnes of Richmond's Manchester High.

Burrough, 6-8, visited the Charlottesville campus last weekend. He also took official recruiting trips to Wake Forest, UNC Charlotte, and Kentucky and cancelled a visit to Indiana.

Burrough averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds a game last season for West Charlotte (N.C.) High School. He now attends Oak Hill in Mouth of Wilson, Va.

Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said Burrough will sign a letter of intent during the Nov. 14-21 early signing period.

"I don't know if Virginia has a player like him," Smith said of Burrough. "He's a quick power player. With his back to the basket, he's very quick. It's hard for bigger players to guard him because he's so quick."

Recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons rates Burrough one of the nation's top 12 college prospects, Barnes one of the top 50. Alexander is not as highly regarded.

Barnes also considered Villanova, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech. Alexander also considered Seton Hall, Connecticut, Vanderbilt and George Washington. Both have met NCAA academic standards.

Burrough has yet to achieve the NCAA-mandated 700 Scholastic Aptitude Test score, but Smith said he expects the score from Burrough's Oct. 13 attempt to exceed the minimum.

"He's doing very well in the classroom," Smith said. "He should definitely predict. He's a very capable student."

New Virginia coach Jeff Jones now has four commitments. Earlier, small forward Jason Williford of Richmond's John Marshall High said he will sign with the Cavaliers.

Burrough's decision could affect that of teammate Cory Alexander, one of the nation's top point guards. Alexander had narrowed his choices to Georgia Tech and Virginia, but eliminated Tech when point guard Travis Best of Springfield, Mass., committed there Tuesday.

According to Smith, Alexander may commit to Virginia or may postpone his decision until April's late signing period and consider other schools.

Alexander, who also has met NCAA academic standards, has visited Virginia, Michigan and Arizona.